Child approach was a 'misunderstanding': Police

UPDATE 2.34pm: POLICE investigating a reported child approach at a Tweed Heads primary school yesterday, have determined the incident was the result of a misunderstanding.

Authorities were earlier hunting for a 'chubby' man who they say brazenly attempted to lure a 7-year-old girl away from her school yesterday afternoon by engaging the young student in conversation before taking her by the hand and walking her down the street.

Following the public appeal to find the man, a police spokesman said officers were contacted by another member of another family who was present at the time and was able to quash the abduction fears.

"After speaking with the family, police are satisfied the incident was not a child approach, but instead a misunderstanding," he said.

Police thank the media and the local community for their assistance in resolving this matter.

Original story: POLICE are searching for a man described as chubby and with bandages on his feet after a child was approached at a Tweed Heads school yesterday.

Police said about 3pm yesterday, a seven-year-old girl left the grounds of her school on Stuart St when she was met by a man at the gate, who had a conversation with her.

The man took the child's hand and lead her a short distance away.

As the girl's mother approached the school, the child saw her and ran towards her mother.

The mother and child left the area and contacted the school about the incident. Police were subsequently informed of the matter.

Officers from Tweed Byron Police District commenced inquiries into the incident and have conducted extensive inquiries and patrols of the area to locate the man.

CCTV footage from local shops and businesses has been reviewed to assist in identifying the man.

He is described as chubby with a beard and brown hair with bandaids and bandages on his feet.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident, who has not already spoken to police, to come forward and contact Tweed Heads Police on (07) 5506 9499 or Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.